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Treasure Hunter Freed After Decade, Hides Gold's Location

3/12/2026

44 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Tommy Thompson, the treasure hunter who discovered S.S. Central America, was released after over a decade for refusing to disclose the 500 gold coins' location.
A judge ruled that further incarceration would not compel Thompson to reveal the coins' whereabouts.
Thompson says the coins are held in a Belize trust and that proceeds from gold sales funded legal fees.
He owes $3.3 million in fines and remains under court supervision.

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Story summary

Tommy Thompson, the treasure hunter who discovered S.S. Central America, was released after over a decade for refusing to disclose the 500 gold coins' location.
A judge ruled that further incarceration would not compel Thompson to reveal the coins' whereabouts.
Thompson says the coins are held in a Belize trust and that proceeds from gold sales funded legal fees.
He owes $3.3 million in fines and remains under court supervision.